1981 Honda Civic vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Civic would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1981 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1227 kg more than 1981 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Civic | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Honda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Civic | 500 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1333 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 2012 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 3050 mm |
